BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday urged Chinese citizens and companies in Syria to take caution due to rising turmoil in the country.

In a statement posted on its website, the MOC warned Chinese people and enterprises to avoid traveling to Syria for the time being and urged Chinese companies in the country to enhance security procedures and withdraw from regions that are experiencing armed conflict.

The ongoing political crisis in Syria has led to clashes between national security officers and opposition forces, causing regional unrest and violence.